There are inherent risks in any sexual relationship or any type of non-professional intimate/sexual activity between individuals in unequal positions. Concerns about conflict of interest and unfair treatment of others may arise. These relationships or interactions may be less consensual than perceived by the individual whose position confers power. The relationship also may be viewed in different ways by each of the parties, particularly in retrospect. Furthermore, circumstances may change, and conduct that was previously welcome may become unwelcome.

Any faculty member (anyone with instructional responsibilities, including some athletic coaches, guest artists, postdocs) and a student

Any staff member (including graduate interns and AmeriCorps VISTAS) and a student

Any supervisor and a subordinate

All reported violations of this policy will be investigated, and if it is determined that a violation occurred, the faculty and/or staff member(s), and in certain situations the student(s), will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

If sexual activity or a relationship occurs between a supervisor and a subordinate, the supervisor may bear the primary burden of accountability, and both employees may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Occasionally student workers are in a supervisory role - one in which they hire, evaluate, direct the work and approve time sheets of another student worker. This does not include the relationship between Residential Education and Living student-staff and their residents.

Even when there is no supervision or evaluative authority, sexual activity or relationships between employees may lead to workplace difficulties. If such a relationship negatively impacts the workplace, the matter may be referred to the appropriate office (Human Resources, Dean of the Faculty, or Student Life) for resolution. The person in the position of greater authority or power may bear the primary burden of accountability.